Elroi

Meaning & origin

Elroi is a modern name that first appeared in U.S. records in 2013. It is rooted in the Hebrew phrase "El Ro'i" (God is my shepherd), a direct reference to Psalm 23. The name has shown a steady upward trajectory since 2014, reaching its peak popularity in 2024. Although it remains relatively rare (ranked 4,249th in the latest year, with an incidence of 1 in 71,170 newborns), its consistent rise suggests growing interest among parents seeking a name with spiritual resonance and a fresh sound. Elroi's spelling is distinct from the more familiar Elroy, and it has been used as a unisex name, though slightly more common for boys. The name has not yet clustered in any top states, indicating a broad but scattered appeal. While not tied to any particular cultural tradition, its biblical etymology gives it a meaningful foundation for families of various backgrounds.

Elroi is a modern coinage derived from the Hebrew phrase "El Ro'i," meaning "God is my shepherd," an epithet for God found in the Hebrew Bible (Psalm 23). The name appears to have emerged in the United States as a freshly coined name combining the divine prefix "El-" with the concept of shepherd. Its use as a given name is a recent phenomenon, first recorded in 2013.